GIRDWOOD SKI FIELD GUIDE
A Full Day of Wild Lines: Backcountry Skiing Out of Girdwood
A guided, 6-hour full-day backcountry ski tour that departs from Girdwood and visits Turnagain Pass or other Alaska Mountain locations chosen by the guide to match conditions and ability.
A Full Day of Wild Lines: Backcountry Skiing Out of Girdwood.
From the coastal town of Girdwood you step into the Alaska Mountains for a full day of guided backcountry skiing — pristine ridgelines, alpine hemlock and spruce, and wide, remote bowls that change with weather and snow. Guides choose terrain to maximize the day based on conditions, avalanche forecasts and the group’s ability, turning one organized day into a concentrated slice of Alaskan backcountry.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pristine, remote Alaska mountain runs
The tour takes you into remote terrain in the Alaska Mountains where you’ll ski through alpine forest and open bowls, experiencing everything from deep powder to variable crust depending on the day.
A guided day tailored to your level
Guides customize the day to your skiing or snowboarding ability, using weather and avalanche forecasts to choose the safest and most rewarding lines for the group.
More than one run — an immersive day
A full-day outing generally includes multiple backcountry runs; while champagne powder can’t be guaranteed, guides aim to deliver an outstanding Alaskan ski experience.
What the day feels like
What the full-day feels like
You meet in Girdwood, kit up with personal backcountry equipment and run a beacon check, then drive to the chosen pass. The guide adjusts the plan throughout the day — outbound choices depend on snow quality, weather and the avalanche forecast — and the outing normally includes more than one backcountry run before returning to Girdwood.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a 30–35 L backpack sized to carry probe, shovel and water; AT boots and skis or a splitboard; skins with tail clips; poles with snow baskets; avalanche beacon (three-antenna, <10 years old with current software), a 280 cm+ probe, a quality metal avalanche shovel (no cheap plastic brands), ski straps, and a packed lunch. Avalanche airbags are recommended but not required.
Carry roughly 2 liters of fluids in wide-mouth containers (examples: one 1L Nalgene plus a 1L vacuum thermos for winter); bring a lunch for the full day out in cold conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the full-day tour?
The full-day tour is listed as a 6-hour outing.
Where and when do we meet the guide?
Meet in Girdwood; a Turnagain Pass itinerary lists a meet-up at 8:30 AM with departure from Girdwood at 9:00 AM.
Where will we ski?
Guides choose among locations in nearby passes (for example Turnagain Pass) based on snow quality, weather and avalanche forecasts; destination is selected to maximize the ski day.
What avalanche safety gear is required?
You must carry an avalanche beacon (three-antenna and less than 10 years old with current software), a probe (minimum 280 cm) and a quality metal shovel; airbags are recommended but not required.
Can I expect multiple runs?
A full-day tour is normally more than one run in the backcountry for most skiers and snowboarders, but final plans depend on snow and mountain conditions.
Do I need technical bindings and specific boots?
Operators recommend tech bindings and AT-compatible boots or splitboard setups; avoid overly heavy gear and ensure bindings and DIN settings are properly adjusted before meeting.